I have gone through the Budget Proposals to see if anything has been done for the over 2 crore People with Disabilities (PWDs) in the form of job reservations, or creation of special facilities like centres for neuro rehabilitation, or post accident critical care of survivors, or subsidies for purchase of Assistive devices like wheelchairs, or maintenance grants to poor and neglected PWDs, etc.
The Budget Document talks about catering to inclusive development for aspirational India, and I presume, PWDs are also a part of it. Therefore,
I was very hopeful that this budget would have something special for them in view of the pain and neglect that the PWDs are undergoing during this pandemic. Many PWDs and their Caregivers are forced to give a backseat to treatment and rehab as they have lost their own jobs.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, I hope that disabled people get included under the various other health schemes announced in this Budget. It is sad that the budget document is still referring to the PWD Act,1995 even though it is now, the 5th year since the passing of the new Rights of PWD Act 2016.
I also note with concern that the budget allocation for the “Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities” has been reduced to about 1,170 crore from 1,325 crore last year. This is an approximate cut of 150 crores and this substantial reduction of 12 per cent will definitely affect various ongoing schemes and programmes being undertaken.
Sadly, PWDs don’t form a vote bank and their voice is hence, either not heard or gets stifled in the din of multiple demands on frugal resources. NGOs like IHIF and others must join hands with various supportive members of civil society to make the voice of PWDs heard by whichever Govt is in power. We must not allow politics to stymie the welfare of these neglected but proud citizens of India.
Commodore Ranbir Talwar
Executive Director
Indian Head Injury Foundation (IHIF)